I was born in London a long time ago to two lively spirits - my mother loved music, art and the esoteric, my father was a passionate architect and champion of social reform. I am fortunate to have two sisters and a brother.

I left home as soon as I finished school and for practical reasons, I undertook the then SRN training before completing a foundation course in the fine arts.

Having amassed a credible portfolio I applied and was accepted to start an honours degree in Architecture. This study then led on to postgraduate research and finally professional exams for chartered registration as an Architect (RIBA). I have worked as an architect on a self employed basis for over twenty years and over the last five years, I have completed a diploma in French and now operate a bilingual practice, being registered in France with the L'Ordre des Architectes d'Aquitaine. More information on my architecture work can be found at www.janemontague.eu.

Parallel, however, to my professional development in the world of design, I was always interested in the more anthropocentric side of my client relationships. This, combined with my background in the medical arena, led me to investigate different ways to healing or staying healthy. I took up running, qualified as a remedial masseuse (ITEC) and eventually decided to study homoeopathy on my weekends. I eventually registered as a homoeopath (RSHom) several years later and continue to practice from my home address.

Throughout my journey, I had always practiced yoga regularly and with a looming recession, I opted to also train as a yoga teacher. This took three years and I am registered with the governing body for the UK, The British Wheel of Yoga (Dip BWY) and teach regularly.

Marriage, children and unfortunately divorce followed, but I am blessed to have a wonderful daughter and son. I have been a happy single parent for many years now. Being a mother has been simultaneously the most demanding and rewarding role I have ever had but so far I have managed to juggle all the life experience and skills I have to maintain a happy home.

Recently, I have undertaken a transformative arts course at Tobias School of Art and I now hold a City and Guilds registration in therapeutic art. I continue to explore myself through art and art workshops and have had many successful exhibitions in and around Eastbourne, actively supporting the local festival Art Open House scheme.

With the death of my parents, I have as a human being had the opportunity to investigate the full gamut of emotions and apart from the support of family and friends, have used meditation, yoga and the natural world to stay inspired and creative. I enjoy passing on to others the coping skills I have learnt en route.

My big dream at the moment is to run workshops combining yoga, meditation and 'art' in the sunnier climate of France where I hope one day to spend more time.

NEW: Listen to this interview to learn more about how I came to yoga, the importance of it in my life, how I use it personally to stay 'in the flow' of life and my approach to keeping well in body and mind.